Heater Drain Plug Access

[DJonesteam]

I’m having a difficult time loosening the Teflon heater drain plug on my water heater. A wrench doesn’t grip the plastic plug properly due to the access and location and I can’t get a socket to seat on the plug due to the angle. Is there a special tool to use on the drain plug by chance?


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[Houndbb]

I’m having a difficult time loosening the Teflon heater drain plug on my water heater. A wrench doesn’t grip the plastic plug properly due to the access and location and I can’t get a socket to seat on the plug due to the angle. Is there a special tool to use on the drain plug by chance?


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You are struggling along with everyone else here. So much surrounding sheet metal to scrape and cut your knuckles, too! Some people use an offset wrench, and keep extra plugs on hand. Many folks here have replaced the plug with various plumbing parts, adding a simple valve or spigot to allow for no-tool draining. Search here for “replace water heater plug” or “water heater plug mod”. It’s easy to do, once you understand that you don’t want a metal part in direct contact with the threads on the water heater where the plug screws on.

[jmbopp]

I use a 15/16" 6-point 3/8" socket, a 3/8 to 1/4 adapter, and a 1/4" X 6" extension.

[BC315RLTS]

I put the socket on the plug first and then attach the socket wrench. It seems to give me the room I need.

[boyscout]

you understand that you don’t want a metal part in direct contact with the threads on the water heater where the plug screws on.

@DJonesteam, just posting to emphasize this advice from @Houndbb.

Using most metal replacements for that plug can cause slow but very serious damage to the hot water jacket of your heater, where the dissimilar metals will react with each other over time.

[Wicked ace]

I have found a 15/16" combination wrench will help to work it by using some mental gymnastics and both ends of the wrench. Sometimes the 12 point box end will slip on or if not flipping the open end one way or t'other will at least get it started. Get it loose enough to back out by hand. Same installing start by hand then use the wrench.

[Canyonlight]

I’m having a difficult time loosening the Teflon heater drain plug on my water heater. A wrench doesn’t grip the plastic plug properly due to the access and location and I can’t get a socket to seat on the plug due to the angle. Is there a special tool to use on the drain plug by chance?


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After messing around with a few combinations, I have been using for 7 seasons now, a 1/2" drive ratchet, 3' extension, and 15/16" deep well socket. Works perfectly. We drain our water heater after every trip when our 303 will not be used for a week or more. I wanted an easy to use and effective choice.

Dan

[Houndbb]

After messing around with a few combinations, I have been using for 7 seasons now, a 1/2" drive ratchet, 3' extension, and 15/16" deep well socket. Works perfectly. We drain our water heater after every trip when our 303 will not be used for a week or more. I wanted an easy to use and effective choice.

Dan

Thanks for the info. I hope that particular combo will work with our heater’s configuration. I have to be cheeky here, though, and point out that the 3 foot long extension will really keep fingers away from all that sharp sheet metal! (I’m thinking it was inches).

[Canyonlight]

Thanks for the info. I hope that particular combo will work with our heater’s configuration. I have to be cheeky here, though, and point out that the 3 foot long extension will really keep fingers away from all that sharp sheet metal! (I’m thinking it was inches).

Actually it is 3 feet long. I can use my creeper laying on my back and take a shower at the same time as the water drains out of the water heater !

Good catch - those " and ' keys trip me up every once in a while.......more as I get older !

Dan

[dryfly]

After messing around with a few combinations, I have been using for 7 seasons now, a 1/2" drive ratchet, 3' extension, and 15/16" deep well socket. Works perfectly. We drain our water heater after every trip when our 303 will not be used for a week or more. I wanted an easy to use and effective choice.

Dan

Just curious why you drain your water heater that frequently? Also, Would it be possible to just open your warm water low drain point valve. I think that might drain the water heater. Not sure.